Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Belal Muhammad Prioritizes Friendship, Eyes Middleweight Title Shot

2/18/2025

49 4

Summary

Story summary

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is putting friendship first by refusing to fight his pal Islam Makhachev. Instead, he’s eyeing a move to middleweight, convinced it offers a smoother path. With just two fights standing between him and a title shot against Dricus Du Plessis, Muhammad is ready to chase new challenges while Makhachev explores higher weight classes.

History

Historical Context

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad's friendship-first approach recalls the early days of MMA, where fighters like Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock often faced off against friends. As Muhammad eyes a middleweight move, he embraces the sport's evolution, much like fighters did during the rise of weight classes in the late 1990s.

1 of 2

Story summary

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is putting friendship first by refusing to fight his pal Islam Makhachev. Instead, he’s eyeing a move to middleweight, convinced it offers a smoother path. With just two fights standing between him and a title shot against Dricus Du Plessis, Muhammad is ready to chase new challenges while Makhachev explores higher weight classes.

1 / 2